Amritsar, July 8: Anti-India slogans were raised by various Sikh groups under the aegis of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to protest against India’s refusal to let Sikh jatha visit Pakistan to commemorate Gurpurbs. PSGPC chief Tara Singh said that as per norms, the protest is only allowed 1,000 meters from the zero line, therefore it was unanimously decided to hold it at Lahore Press Club.
On June 28, around 300 pilgrims, including elderly women who were to board a special train leaving to commemorate the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, remained stuck at Attari railway station despite the devotees possessing visas. Harpal Singh Bhullar, president of Bhai Mardana Society, claimed that visas for 240 pilgrims were procured and the special train was ready to leave on the Pakistan side, but was not cleared to reach Attari railway station.Sikh pilgrims faced harassment amid the downpour at Attari were as the PSGPC representatives kept on waiting for them on their side with langar.The PSGPC said the SGPC’s silence on the issue was a cause for concern. “I appeal to the SGPC to take a stand against the government,” Tara Singh added.Amritsar, July 7 Anti-India slogans were raised by various Sikh groups under the aegis of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to protest against India’s refusal to let Sikh jathas visit Pakistan to commemorate Gurpurbs. PSGPC chief Tara Singh said that as per norms, the protest is only allowed 1,000 meters from the zero line, therefore it was unanimously decided to hold it at Lahore Press Club. On June 28, around 300 pilgrims, including elderly women who were to board a special train leaving to commemorate the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, remained stuck at Attari railway station despite the devotees possessing visas. Harpal Singh Bhullar, president of Bhai Mardana Society, claimed that visas for 240 pilgrims were procured and the special train was ready to leave on the Pakistan side, but was not cleared to reach Attari railway station. Sikh pilgrims faced harassment amid the downpour at Attari were as the PSGPC representatives kept on waiting for them on their side with langar. The PSGPC said the SGPC’s silence on the issue was a cause for concern. “I appeal to the SGPC to take a stand against the government,” Tara Singh added.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
